A picture by Velázquez never looks at you, it actually gazes beyond. I can look towards you and it may seem that I am looking at you, but I'm actually gazing beyond you. This is something common to all characters painted by Velázquez and also by El Greco. They don't look at you, it seems like they do but they are looking beyond you. It's also a matter of how capable you are of bearing their gaze. It's impressive, just as in many other paintings. If you are left alone with a painting or walk through the Museum at night, they're all there and you feel as though they'll get up and run out all of a sudden.
Head of the Office of Technical Documentation at the Museum, conservator with the Spanish Association of Museum Professionals. She has worked at the Escuela de Restauración of Madrid, as well as at the laboratory of the Instituto de Conservación y Restauración. She has participated in numerous research studies and publications.
Interview recorded on April 20, 2018